Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, handed over a cheque to Bishop Jean-Michaël Durhône of the Diocese of Port-Louis, today, at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis for the rehabilitation and repair of 512 tombs at St Jean Cemetery in Quatre Bornes, which were severely damaged by the flooding events of 08 November 2023 and 14 January 2024.
Of the affected tombs, 71 sustained critical damage, 141 were partially damaged, and 300 suffered minor damage.
The handover ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Ministers Boolell and Guness; the Chief Government Whip, Mrs Stéphanie Anquetil; the Deputy Speaker, Mr Veda Baloomoody; Junior Minister, Mr Dhaneshwar Damry, along with clergy members Father Benoît Sylva (Parish of St Jean) and Father Eddy Coosnapen (Diocese of Port-Louis).
In his statement the Prime Minister acknowledged the hardship faced by many families due to the recent floods and the significant damage caused to St Jean Cemetery. He pointed out the humanitarian nature of Government’s intervention and the importance of supporting communities affected by the destruction of tombs.
Dr Ramgoolam further underlined that the initiative reflects Government’s commitment to preserving national heritage while providing assistance to citizens in times of crisis. The rehabilitation of the cemetery aims not only to restore the damaged tombs but also to offer comfort and reassurance to families, reinforcing the importance of remembrance and community solidarity, he stated.
For his part Bishop Jean-Michaël Durhône expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Local Government for their support in bringing the cemetery rehabilitation project to fruition.
He underscored the sacred and historical significance of St Jean Cemetery, where at least 150,000 people have been buried over centuries, and emphasised that the restoration is being carried out properly for the benefit of families.
He recalled that the project serves both as a means of remembrance and a way to provide healing for those affected by the tragedy.
